book

Over the last few months I’ve been blessed with more time to read due to cuddling a newborn! I decided to soak up some of our snuggles with tunes on in the background (John Mayer + James Morrison on Pandora) and cozying up with a good book. And in doing so, I have been blessed greatly by quiet time and books that have taken me along for journeys, life stories, laughter, tears and adventures.

6 of my favorite Recent Reads

Big Little Lies is filled with friendship and laughter, touching moments, twists, murder and a dramatic ending… after all isn’t that what you want out of a good fiction book? When you read this book you will understand why it is on the New York Times Bestseller list and why it was turned into a tv show. To be honest, I heard about the tv show before I read this book and that sparked me to read the book first, and I am so glad I did!

When you hear the name Tim Tebow do you think of a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and first round NFL draft pick? Or do you think of a hard working man who is living his life daily for the Lord with a charismatic and outspoken faith?

Tim Tebow. Some know him as a Florida Gator Heisman Trophy Winner and 2-time National Champion. Others recognize the name thanks to the 2011 “#tebowing” craze, where one takes a knee in a praying position and posts it online. Still others recognize him as an outspoken Christian with questionable athletic abilities, and more recently some recognize him as an aspiring baseball professional. Personally, I’ve always seen Tebow as an athlete who likes competing, but loves the Lord. Given his athletic talents, he has been given an incredible platform in the public eye and uses it to glorify God with every step and through every season of his life.

Monthly MUST Haves is a monthly recap on products, services or companies that have caught my attention, or that I have fallen in love with over the last month. A fun way for me to share random things that make me happy, in hopes that they might bring you joy as well!

For this month’s edition of Monthly MUST Haves I wanted to share of few of my absolute favorite things: Girly items that I enjoy and use on a daily basis!

We are all waiting on something!

Have you ever had a time in your life where you needed to trust in God and His timing, but it just seemed too hard? Have you ever tried to make something work on your timing, not His, and it just didn’t work? Have you ever been so defeated that you were ready to give up? I have! When you are going through trials and struggles it can be hard to remember to put your trust in God, but that is all we can do. Trust in Him and His timing, His will and His way.

The Magnolia Story is a fabulous read, especially if you are an HGTV Fixer Upper fan! CAUTION: If you’re not a fan… you will be once you finish reading this book! How often do you pick up a biography and not want to put it down?!… Not often for me, but this book was the exception! The Magnolia Story is written in a very sweet manor by Joanna Gaines with cute inserts from her hilariously corky husband, Chip Gaines. It is so much fun hearing all about their love story, the growth of their family and how they came to be the well known Fixer Uppers. I loved the transparency as they mixed in their real-life faith and struggles along their journey. As you relive their life choices and adventures along with them, you can’t help but fall in love with them, and I routinely caught myself smiling as I was reading! Their hugely generous hearts wrap you up and you find yourself rooting for them more and more with every page turn.

I have nothing but love for my alma mater – Arizona State University. I have so much pride in my Sun Devils, and definitely bleed maroon and gold! During my 4 years on campus, I was involved in just about every organiztion I could be, and in doing so I made many wonderful memories and friendships. I look forward to ASU Homecoming every year, and my hubby and I love walking down memory lane with our girls in tow! College was one of the most exciting and special times of my life, and I love reminiscing every chance I get.

One of my favorite memories at ASU is the tradition of Guarding the “A”. “A-Mountain” is an iconic spot on campus and each year on the week leading up to the ASU vs. UofA football game, students on campus take turns hiking up and camping out by the “A” to protect it from the rival team that wants to paint it their colors. It is a fun (& mostly sleepless) night and I cherish all the memories I have of guarding the “A”!

So when a fellow ASU alumni and good friend of mine informed me that he and his wife wrote a children’s book about the history and story behind our infamous “A” Mountain, I jumped on the opportunity to read it and introduce my girls to the rich history at ASU! Continue Reading